US and UK lawmakers propose bans on artificial superintelligence

Lawmakers in the United States and the United Kingdom are introducing legislative measures aimed at banning the development of artificial superintelligence (ASI)—systems capable of surpassing human intelligence.

In the United States, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar are developing the ‘Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act’. This proposal seeks to prohibit the creation and deployment of AI systems that exceed human capabilities. Additionally, the act proposes a temporary moratorium on other advanced AI research until new safety regulations are established and a federal regulatory agency is implemented.

In the United Kingdom, Labour MP Alex Sobel has introduced a similar bill to the House of Commons. This legislation defines superintelligence as systems powerful enough to potentially render state institutions ineffective. The bill aims to grant the government authority to monitor and restrict AI systems that show potential to reach such levels at an early stage.

Both legislative efforts emphasize the need for international cooperation. Lawmakers argue that unilateral bans are insufficient, as development could simply shift to other nations. Consequently, both proposals call for governments to pursue international agreements to regulate superintelligence globally.